City sign striker

The 27-year-old, who is a bustling centre forward, has agreed a one-year deal with the First Division champions after being released by Sporting Fingal.

Zayed, voted the PFAI Young Player of the Year for 2003, recently won his first cap for Libya.

Stephen Kenny's Derry City returned to the Airtricity Premier League at the first attempt in October 2010. Zayed's signing represents a break from Kenny's recent policy of bringing in local players, but the Candystripes need a proven striker to take over from Farren. The only other recognised goal scorer at the Brandywell at present is young David McDaid.

However Zayed, who signed a deal on Saturday, and was unveiled at a press conference today, will live in the area.

Zayed, who was Drogheda's top scorer in their championship winning side of 2007 and won an FAI Cup medal with Sporting Fingal in 2009, told Extratime.ie that he is aware of the talent that already exists at Derry City and that he the fans are "unbelievable".

He told Extratime.ie: "I'm delighted to be moving up. I've been up there a few times and Derry seems like a lovely place. Everything is very friendly and I know it's a great footballing city. I know they love their football and the fans are unbelievable up there. I'm really excited. I'm looking forward to playing in front of the Derry crowd and playing my part."

Meanwhile, there could be even more good news for City fans, with former Derry players Gareth McGlynn and Ruaidhri Higgins being linked with a return to the Brandywell.

If Kenny can persuade them to come back home, these and Zayed's signing would considerably improve City's chances of challenging for silverware next season.